By Andy Wilson
England Lions are loving life in Cape Town, their base for the first match against South Africa A which starts in Paarl on Sunday, especially because the city holds special memories for so many of the squad.
Jonathan Trott was born and raised here, of course, giving the Lions captain the unusual experience of being on tour in his home city.
“I can’t believe I’m staying in a hotel in Newlands,” he reflected wryly after this morning’s practice session at the stunning Claremont club in the nearby suburb of Constantia. “I’ve walked and driven past it thousands of times.”
Lions Coach Mark Robinson recalls playing against Western Province at the famous Newlands ground as part of a groundbreaking Yorkshire trip to South Africa during his playing days in 1992, in the years between the release of Nelson Mandela and the elections that marked the official end of apartheid.
Even at the age of 22, Matt Dunn was on familiar territory at Claremont, a ground which is overlooked by Table Mountain.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be here a few times with the Surrey Academy, and also on our pre-season tour,” he said during a break from bowling in the nets. “It’s a great place to play.”
Kent wicketkeeper Sam Billings has also been a regular visitor to the city, and once went shark diving with his father in nearby Hermanus as a joint Christmas present.
But Jonny Bairstow’s Cape Town memories go back to his schooldays, at St Peter’s in York.
“We came here on tour with our under-15s,” explained the Yorkshire wicketkeeper-batsman. “It was a memorable trip in all sorts of ways. I’ll never forget going out to a couple of the townships, and seeing a completely different way of life.
“That was an amazing experience for us all as young lads, seeing sheep’s heads cooking, and tasting their local version of beer. I wasn’t very keen on that.
“But I’ve always loved coming back to Cape Town. It’s a fantastic place.”
Bairstow and Billings both had long sessions on the Claremont outfield with Andy Flower, who is here in his role as ECB’s Technical Director of Elite Coaching.
The staff had received another boost overnight with the arrival of Ottis Gibson, the former West Indies coach who joined Chris Silverwood in observing and working with the pace bowlers in a net on the square.
"First time I've been massaged in a truck," says @Liam628. Improvisation from ace rubber Ben Langley #englionspic.twitter.com/LlyL55BWHQ
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The Lions will practise at Newlands tomorrow, but the ground was unavailable today for a very good reason – the first Twenty20 International between South Africa and West Indies, with the Lions players and management relishing the prospect of a night at the cricket as spectators.
Four members of the South Africa A squad that was announced earlier in the week– Marchant de Lange, Reeza Hendricks, Kagiso Rabada and Justin Ontong, who had been named captain – have been called into the senior Proteas T20 squad meaning they are highly unlikely to play in Paarl on Sunday.
With Temba Bavuma also feeling unwell, the Dolphins batsman Khaya Zondo has been drafted into their squad.